Yipee....Kelsi is 23

It's this cute girls birthday today!  What a blessing Kelsi is to our family especially Braxton.  Kelsi is a cute girl and is good at following the Spirit.  She notices little things which are really messages from God.  I know that because she blogs about them sometimes I read them.  Kelsi is a cute mom and is now going to embark on the adventure of staying home with two cute babies.  I was also twenty-three with two little ones.  It's a lot of work but such a fun time of life.  Kelsi is easy going and is good at going with the flow.  She's pretty patient, at least from my eyes. Kelsi has been raised well and has wonderful, loving parents and so I know that her journey in life will be awesome.  Kelsi is pretty quiet still around me and hasn't really opened up much to me but maybe that is just how she is.  I enjoy getting to know this cute girl better each year.  I'm glad Kelsi was born and that her calling was to be a Ropelato and wife to our cute Braxton.  They together make beautiful babies and have a lot of fun together which makes my life better.  I love seeing my kids happy and moving forward and upward!

Celebrating Kathy

I'm glad that my friends are on the ball this year because it's happening too fast for me to keep up.  I'm not as on top of things as I usually am and truthfully it bugs me.  I'm glad that my friends are thinking though and for this lunch it was Mallory.  She noticed that we didn't have a lunch date set yet to celebrate Kathy's birthday and got this one set up.  I'm grateful.  We met at Goodwood.  I like that place because it's quiet and not super busy.  We had a good visit.  I guess it wasn't long enough for me because I ended up calling Mallory to ask her a few more things.  I sure love these sweet gals. I call them my "gal pals".  We've had each others backs since Junior High.  They seriously are so sweet and wise and pure.  I'm so lucky to have such awesome friends surrounding me.

Our Ward Book Club got together tonight to discuss The Forgotten Garden.  It was a good read and had a few twists to it that weren't exposed until the last pages.  I would suggest this book to others.  I enjoyed visiting with the ladies in our ward.  I pretty much enjoy rubbing shoulders with everyone! ☺  I volunteered to have Book Club at my house next time since I am one of the older ones and I don't have kids to put to bed or take care of.  Maybe I'll clean???

Getting My "Flex" On

Yesterday I went and visited Julie Ward who just had surgery removing some lumps from her breast.  She was in good spirits and we had a nice visit.  While I was there Tammy Truman came to dust for her.  My mind just does not think to help like that.  I have thought a lot about that and I think it's because I feel dumb having people help me with my cleaning.  Twice in my life others have come to clean something after I had a baby and I have a really hard time accepting that.  I admire those that can because people want to help and cleaning needs to be done.  We all visited while Tammy dust and then she asked if she could vacuum.  I refused to let her and I did it.  I'm not sure if I'll ever be better in this area.  I took Julie chocolate and a bracelet that said "never give up".  I can do that!  I've thought a lot about things since that visit and experience.  I wonder sometimes why I am the way I am.

This morning I had decided to make cinnamon rolls for the Wards since everyone that has brought in food has brought healthy stuff.  Julie told me that Logan was really missing some treats and that cinnamon rolls were his favorite.  I made the rolls and were letting them rise while I headed out to the garage to cut out Angel's for camp.  I know it's early but time flies and I really want to be ready and still enjoy helping Jared prepare for his mission.  When I turned the saw on it was LOUD.  I figured it just needed a new blade and so I changed the blade.  It was still loud but I decided to go ahead and just cut with it anyway.  I made it to the head and the saw quit.  My brain starts thinking now that I'm really glad I did not wait until later to cut the wood and how am I going to get these angels cut.  I really don't want to buy another saw since I don't craft like I use to.  I immediately was missing my daddy.  He would have rescued me.  My mind kept thinking as I folded laundry and got the rolls in the oven.

I was expecting my cute niece to bring me some essential oils and when I opened the door to roses I was so surprised.  Larry says "I Love You" through roses and paint on the carpet.  The oils came a bit later.

About half way through the cooking time I got a call from Braxton.  Kelsi was having bad pains and was at the doctor and their were wondering if I could go sit with the babies.  Of course I could...I'm flexible like that.  As soon as the rolls were done I threw a towel over them and left. (I should have used foil)  I enjoyed the little's until Braxton brought Kelsi home.  She had a really bad urinery tract  infection but would be okay. Later in the evening I made frosting for the rolls and put them on plates to take to the Wards and another friend.  Larry and I shared one before leaving and I was not impressed with these cinnamon rolls at all.  I thought they were yucky.  They looked good but were a little dry from sitting under a towel most of the day.  The frosting wasn't great either.  Who ruins frosting?  Well apparently when I am making something for someone else it's a strong possibility that it might not turn out to be my best.  Instead of taking the Ward's two each as planned we took them each one.  They might finish one but I'm sure they wouldn't want another.  I apologized when we dropped them off and later in the evening Larry and I each got a text expressing that the cinnamon rolls were yummy and I shouldn't be so hard on myself.  The one family said they would like to try my good ones because they thought these were good.  Even if those texts weren't the absolute truth they did make me feel better about sharing.  I noticed the ones left at home got nibbled on but I did throw one away.  Some times I really believe "It's the Thought that Counts".

busy busy

The fun never ends even if you are camping out in your front room.  On Tuesday I text Kelsi to see if her and her mom would like me to bring lunch.  They said I could and so I stopped at In and Out Burger and went and enjoyed lunch with them.  It was fun visiting with MaryLou and hearing about her new Temple calling.  I really like my kids other families and enjoy visiting with them when I get the chance.  They are all awesome.  I held Jack for a bit and then Larry and I went with my mom to her financial adviser. She wasn't understanding everything and wanted us to be there with her so Clinton (her guy) could explain her account with us.  My sister met us there.  Everything was good...Clinton is taking good care of my mom. We visited with her and I cleaned her bathroom before leaving.  We stopped and bought some mattress boxes to go under our new mattress.  Getting a King has required new things. (I love it)

Wednesday I got up and went to the Temple.  I sure love starting my Wednesday mornings off that way.  I got to help with the Blood Drive today.  Larry couldn't get away and so I went and opened the building and then checked people in the rest of the day.  When Larry came he brought me a different chocolate that his friend, Brooklyn, had brought to him.  The chocolate is made by Cadbury and is found in Australia. It has jelly beans and pop rocks powder in it.  The funny thing is you don't notice the pop rocks until you have chewed it all up and then your back teeth start buzzing.  It's like a party in your mouth.

Thursday I went bowling and then I went to Book Club at Lorretta's.  We discussed a lot of things and talked about a lot of books.  I love our book club and learn so much.  I had to hurry out for something else but I can't remember since I am catching up and didn't write it down.  I went to SNAP that night and we have started working on the Production.  It's going to be cute.  I love the music.

Friday I enjoyed Macie for a bit and our house was sprayed for bugs.  I think I decided to treat myself to a pedicure after. Somewhere around this time our microwave died.  It sounds like it's working but it's not.  Funny how spoiled we become and depend on silly things like a microwave.  My kids will now run over to gramps to heat up their food.

Saturday started early.  Ivy had a basketball game and since she reminded me I figured I'd better be there.  I love watching the grands do their thing.  I also love visiting with their parents while they do.  After Ivy's game I went to Brittany Knight's baby shower.  I felt honored to be invited and was the only one from Hooper there besides Wendy. (DJ's mom)  I'm excited for Brittany to have a baby with her new hubby.  His family is awesome and I loved being around them and getting to know them a little.  I could tell they love Brittany and each of  her kids so much.  We were invited to Weber State's game by the Arnolds but had to run to Casey Nye's wedding reception first.  We didn't make it to the sealing and so it was a must to show up for the reception.  We got there at the first and were able to visit a bit Casey, his bride,  and his family.  At the game we have VIP tickets and sat right on the floor.  We got free drinks, popcorn and half time treats.  It was fun being treated like the rich.

On Sunday, even though it was Trichelle's "off" week she came over so she could meet little Jack.  I love Sundays and having the grown kids and grands over.  Our house gets loud and messy but it's wonderful.  I cherish our family time.

grands and room makeover

We've been camping out in the front room since Larry decided to finally paint our room and get new carpet.  We've had the same carpet since we built the house and back then it was the wrong choice.  I was prepared to be without the internet and to live a mess for a few weeks so that our room could get it's much needed face lift.  I'm excited for the new look. Our dark walls will be light.  Our big headboard went up to Kimleighel's room.  We got the King mattress.  I bought new bedding so match the quilt that Carla made me.  Our room is going to be cheerful and I'm excited.

Larry sent me for paint even though I had Sadie and Justin's kids were also coming.  When Larry is ready to do something, he's ready and so I went right out and bought the paint.  While I was gone Larry and the big kids moved the furniture out of the room.  We have a lot of stuff...or did. (good time to get rid of it) We are also changing the bathroom and painting the wall that I had painted dark and it will match the bedroom.  I have always wanted my bathroom and bedroom to match and it's finally going to happen completely.  I bought a new shower curtain, towels and rugs.

When Larry was painting the last coat on the bathroom wall he decided to paint the carpet.  It was perfect when I saw it.  I was frustrated at Jared for not finishing the dishes and was grumbling just before I went into my room.  Larry was in the front room ready for bed thinking...oh great not a good time to have painted the floor.  But, it was a good time.  When I saw "I LOVE YOU" on my bedroom floor it made me laugh and my negative feelings were gone.  Larry makes me laugh.  I sure do love the guy.

During all moving, taping and painting the grands played and entertained themselves.  They are so cute and don't demand attention all the time.

Jack Braxton is Here

Early this morning I got a text or phone call or both from Braxton saying that him and Kelsi were in the hospital and that they were keeping her.  It was the real thing!  I was happy for them and thought it was perfect since I had Sadie for her birthday sleepover.  It wasn't long before Kelsi asked me to come to the hospital because even though Braxton was saying he was fine, he was really starting to struggle with an anxiety attack.  I called Trichelle to see if she would watch Sadie and she said she would even though she had plans to meet a friend for lunch in Provo.

On my way to the hospital I kept praying that Braxton would be okay.  I specifically prayed for Angels to help him.  I know my other kids were praying for him and Kelsi as well.  When I arrived Braxton was sitting in Kelsi's room with her and seemed to be doing okay.  He looked a little groggy but not bad.  Braxton and Kelsi both told me that the nurses were Heaven sent.  They talked to Braxton and one put her hand on his heart and quickly he recovered.  The rest of the time he was there for Kelsi and was able to assist her with her needs.  Kelsi made giving birth look easy.  She did get a little nauseous but not bad.  Braxton and I visited while we waited for the numbers to rise and the doctor to come.  I'm not sure I really needed to be there but it was nice visiting and maybe it kept Braxton's mind from going else where.  I told Kelsi I would gladly step outside when it was time to deliver but she told me that she was fine with me there.  I decided to stay out of the way and behind everything but being there was a wonderful and sweet experience.  There's something about welcoming a new little one into this world that is amazing.

 Kelsi and Braxton witnessed little Jack's arrival as they watched through a mirror that Kelsi had requested.  When I knew he was coming I glanced up to see if he had dark hair like Kelsi had been dreaming.  He did! I decided that if they were going to have pictures of this time I was going to take them.  I didn't take very good pictures but I got a lot.  I couldn't help but love this little guy already.  Straight from Heaven and perfect in every way. I was so proud of Kelsi and Braxton.  The love they have between them is growing and is pretty tender and wonderful.

The nurse made sure we got some pictures of everyone together.  I love the ones of Jack looking at his parents.  I love them all actually.  Such a glorious miracle...these babies!

 I had the privilege of taking Sadie up to meet her new little brother.  It was the most precious experiences ever.  She glowed and the love that radiated from her was visible.  She was so gentle and quiet...she just knew little Jack was someone special.  She knew he was her baby and she loved him first sight.  Watching this made my heart happy.  It was seriously so stinking cute.  I video'd a little of it to send to Grandma MaryLou who was stuck in Jerome.  (the roads were closed from the snow)  I kept her posted through text and pictures and later she told me it made her feel connected and a part of it.  I'm glad because I know she really would have liked to have been there.

Our family was all excited to meet Jack.  We just love babies!

I'm so thankful for prayer and answers to them. I am thankful for Angels here and beyond the veil that assist us when we need them.  I am thankful for families and the love we all have for one another.  I am thankful for babies and the piece of Heaven they bring with them.  I am thankful for each little that I call "grand".  Little Jack makes a dozen and that just makes my heart happy.

I am thankful for life.  Life is Good!  Babies are the Best!  Families are Forever!

Jack Braxton Ropelato

2/24/17

10:21 am

7 pounds 5 ounces

20.5 inches

Sadie's Sleepover

 It's fun to think that these little ones even when they are two years old like and want to come to gramma's (and grandpa's) for a sleepover.  They get excited and it really is a lot of fun.  We play and I let them do whatever they want.  We watch movies and eat out and go shopping for their gift.  We got a surprise text early  Friday morning saying that baby Jack was on his way.  I personally thought "perfect" I have Sadie and so Kelsi and Braxton can do this without worrying.  That thought didn't last long before Kelsi text or called me to come up because she thought Braxton could use a little motherly love.  (more about that on Jack's post)

I wasn't sure what to do with Sadie since I knew that Macie was starting a cold and wasn't coming to play just to make sure that Sadie didn't get sick for when Jack did come.  I called Trichelle and even though she had plans she said it was okay to bring Sadie over and she would watch her. (I have good kids)  So Sadie got to sleepover and then go play with Behr and then she got to sleepover again.

On Saturday, we went to breakfast and shopping to choose her gift.  Sadie had already ate at my house but you wouldn't have known it by the way she ate again.  She must have been hungry.  She's such a cutie and was so good.  She chose a cute Minnie Mouse remote control and I completely forgot to get a picture of her with it and so I googled it.  I must have had "other" things on my mind.

Sadie is such a fun little girl.  She likes doing things.  She is starting to really express herself and it's funny.  The girl knows what she wants.  She is truly a sweetheart and full of love.  She likes me and everyone else.  She gives great hugs and her smile is magical.  We had a great time with our cute little Sadie Lou who is two!